WAT SUAN DOK

Wat Suan Dok (the Flower Garden Temple) was originally built in the 14th century (1383) as a Thai monarch's pleasure garden.

Legend says that its chedi contains one half of a glowing gem unearthed in Sukhotai by a Sri Lankan monk - the other half being buried in Doi Suthep.

In the courtyard to the west, next to an elegant chedi built in 1372, is a garden of several resplendent white chedi containing the ashes of Chiang Mai's royal family.

The 500 year old bronze Buddha image in a secondary chapel is one of northern Thailand's largest metal images. The temple is a favourite spot for photographers, due to its particularly striking sunsets.